97 SE 5sp, 110k.

I did an oil change, topped off the ATF and coolant, changed air filter and cleaned my battery terminals on Sunday. I didn't run the car afterward but the next morning it stalled when I tried to engage the clutch in reverse. CEL came on and stayed on. I didnt' have time so I drove my RX-7 to work, but this morning the same thing happened with the Max. I noticed it was immediately idling at 900rpm even though it was cold. I managed a trip around the block, but it shuddered under throttle and died if I blipped it with the clutch in. It was not driveable, so darn I had to drive the fast car today.

TB is clean and the fuel filter has 30k but shouldn't be bad.

I've read about the coolant temp sensor, IACV, and the wiring problem that FLO_BOY posted about in April. I did spill a little coolant when filling, so maybe that caused it.

Suggestions on what to try first and how to do it. The CEL is now clear - is it worth trying to read the codes the manual way? (and slightly off-topic - is a code reader a worthwhile investment for this car?)

Dave

 

It sounds like a MAFS problem. Check to make sure it is plugged in, also did you put a new filter on that came oiled? Sometimes oil from the filter can get on the little metal parts of the MAFS and cause it to seem as if it has failed. A simple way to check if it is the MAFS is unplug it and try to drive it. If it has the same problems than that is it.

 

sonofa*****. That's it.

I dont' remember plugging it back in. I unplugged it to squeeze in that air filter and forgot about it when I tried to retrace it all in my mind.

Cheap fix, but damaging to my ego.

Dave

 

You put ATF in your trans? I thought you have a 5spd?

 

In the power steering reservoir.

 

Glad I could help, let me know if you ever need anything else.